Web-folding apparatus.



mwmmw LE. WILDMAN.

WEB FOLDING APPARATUS. APPLIOATION FILED 001%,1911.

Patented Aug. 25, W14.

5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

6 SHEETSSIIEBT 2k Patented Aug. 25, 1914.

J. E. 'WILDMAN.

WEB FOLDING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED 0GT.24,1911,

Lmmwm 5 M &4

LE. WILDMAN.

WEB FOLDING APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED 00T.24, 1911.

1 10 295 Patented Aug.25,191

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

J. E. WILDMAN.

WEB FOLDING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED 0012.24.1911.

Patented Aug. 25, 1914.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4;.

J. B. WILDMAN.

WEB FOLDING APPARATUS APPLICATION FILBD'001224,1911.

Patented Aug. 25, 1914.

5 SHEETSSHEET 5. g O.

fim m new. d fdllmmu new n me.

JOSEPH E. 'WILDMAN, LANIDOVER, lVEAZEtYIlLAND, ILSfiiIGlilOR, BY MESN E ASSIG-N' MENTS, TO THE MGCASKEY REGIQTIEYR- COMPANY (INCORPORATED 'IN 1914), 035 ALLIANCE, OHIO, A CORPORATIFON OF OHIO.

. wan-rewrite. .trPPAlItA'JUUS.

Specification of Letters Intent.

Application filed. hotelier .24, uni. t l-1.11 uh. states To all QUILOWZ it may concern:

Be it known that I, Josnrrr E. Winner-AN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Laiulovcr, in the county of Prince Georges v and State of lllllaryland, have invented certain new and useful. Improvements in and Relating to, l l eb-Foldi'ng Apparatus, of which thefollowing is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for folding a strip or strips of paper on transverse lines first in one direction and then in a reverse direction, into what is commonly trating in plan the paper gripping and creasing members, and the female ll'lfllillJGl of theperforating devices. Figs. 6, land 8 are fragmentary detallviews. Fig. 9 is an elevation of two cams for operating; the

folding and nserting devices. l! 1g. 10 lS a slde elevation of one of the folding rollers.

F 11 to 15. are fragmentary views illus tinting the operation of the apparatus.

In the draw1ngs,1 indicates as an entirety the supporting structure for the apparatus.

It preferably comprises in whole or in part a base 1 and a pair of spaced members 1", 1*, which may be suitably braced at their free ends by a cross member 1.

indicate a pair of shafts,.each mounted in suitable bearings 2, carried by the up rights 1 Q vindicates collars fixed to the shafts and operating to prevent their endwise movement in the bearings 2.

2" indicates a gear train, preferably consisting of two spur gears, each carried by a shaft 2. These gears are arranged to mesh with each other, whereby one shaft will be driven from the other. In carrying out the objects of the present invention, it is necessary that both shafts 2 rotate at the same speed; for thatreason the QjearsQ are of the Same size. V

2 indicates a suitable pulley fined to one of the shafts 2 and adapted to have connected to it a drive belt from some source of POWBl'. 3, 3?, indicate a. pair of paper rollers. or cylinders, each fixed to an adjacent shaft 2 and rotated: thereby. As shown in the drawinpgs, a. strip or web of paper or other niaterialllt, which is to be folded, is directed between the rollers from one side and de livcred on the opposite side thereof. Being ositively driven, the cylinders 3, 3, may serve as the means for drawing the paper from-the source of supply and for deliver lug it in folded form onto a suitable recei-ving platform.

Preferably, the'bearings 2* for each shaft 2 are slidably mounted on the upright 1 and connected together by a pair of ten sion springs 2 The purpose and effect of this construction is to move one shaft 9 toward the other and cause a gripping action between the rollers 3, 3, on the paper web and also to permit the rollers 3, 3, to aceonunod ate themselves to paper webs of different thicknesses, orvariations in thiclc uess which may occur therein.

2 indicates a si'lpporting plate interposed between the bearing blocks 2 and the upright members I, to which latter the plates are rigidly secured by screws or other devices 2. V

2 indicates sets of openings, one set for each bearing block 2 formed in the plates 2 p 2 indicates derices, such as screws, e):- teuding through openings and connected with the blocks 2. The screws 9 have heads which ei'igage the inner face of the plates-2 clearly shown in the drawings the openings are somewhat larger than the shanks of the bolts so that the blocks 2 normally hold the cylinders toslightly, .lf preferred, only one setof bear ing blocks 2 need be slidably supported.

The cylinders or rollers 3, 3' may be arranged'pne above the other in vertical plane, or side by side in a horizontal-plane. In this latter arrangement the web of material to be folded will be fed to and between the rollers in a vertical direction.

Each cylinder 3, 3?, may comprise a body portion 3 and a pair of spiders 3 arranged at the oppositeends of the body portion 3* and fixed thereto in any suitable manner. The spider-hubs, indicated at 3, may be fixed to the adjacent shaft 2 by a key or set screw,or by other means.

' at indi'cates'sets of paper folding devices, one set operating to fold the web of paper back on itself in one direction and the other set operating to fold the web of paper back on itself in the opposite or reverse direction.

Each set of paper folding devices 4: comprises mechanism P for gripping and creasing the paper, and mechanism 4P for inserting the paper web into the gripping and creasing mechanism 4?. Theyare arranged so that one will 'co tiperate with the, other to effect 'a folding of the paper at the point of contactbetween the cylinders as the latter rotate. Asshown, each cylinder 3, 3 carries the gripping and creasing mechanism P for one set-of folding" devices. The mechanism carried by each cylinder being arranged at diametrically opposite sides of the cylinders, the sets of folding devices will operate at the point ef'contact, alternately, so that for each revolution of the cylinders the web of paper A will be folded first in one direction and then inthe opposite or reverse direction.

By this arrangement each sheet or slip will be of the same. size and ofa length equalto one-half 'the circumference of the cylinders.

' Additional sets of folding devices may be later described. these rollers l arepreferably arranged subprovided on the cylinders; also the sets of folding devices may be arranged, relative to each other, 'tofold the web A onlines so that each two. adjoining sheets or slips will be of different-lengths.

Of the paper gripping and creasing mech anism t, d indicates a recess formed in the surface of each cylinder 8, or 3*, and preferably extending longitudinally from end to end. thereof. A plate 4, extending from end to end of each cylinder and secured to the inner surface thereof may be provided to form'the bottom wall of the recess i.

l indicates pressing and creasing devices, preferably comprising a pair of parallel arranged'round rods or rollers mounted in said recess and adapted to move toward and from each other. The opposite free ends of these rollers are extended beyond the opposite ends of the adjacent cylinder, as indicated at ai for a purpose which will be its the outer surfaces of ing means, as shown at P.

stantially in the circumferential line of'the adjacentcylinder 3, or 3 the said gripping rollers 49 are reduced at their opposite ends to permit the provision of guide and retain- These means 49 may comprise pairs of detachable plates 4:", the ends of which overlie the rollers 4 and being countersunk in the surface of the adjacent cylinder, are flush therewith. The shoulders c formed by the reduced ends of the rollers 4 preferably engage the inner ,walls of the guiding and retaining plates 4t and are thus held against endwise movement. I r

4* indicates a spring interposed between each paper gripping device}; and the adjacent side wall of the recess 9. The purpose of the spring 43 is to press or force the pressers and creasers' of each pair together to grip the paper web A when the latter is inserted between them and to crease it along transverse line to form the fold. The

paper web A- is held by the grippers 4. until suitable spreading mechanism 5, (which will presently be described), causes them to release -it. The springs 6t are preferably formed from flat strips of metal and extend substantially from end to end of the recess l" and bear against the grippers if midway between their opposite ends in order to'press l both ends of each gripper toward the adjacent gripper with equal force.

The gripper spreading mechanism 5 opcrates first to open the grippers 4 to permit the insertion of the web A between them and then-to release the web after the latter has been creased or folded Of this mechanism, 5 ,5 indicate a pair of rods, each arranged at one end of an adjacent cylinder and adapted to slide or move radially therein.

Suitable recesses or openings, indicated at 5*, 5 are preferably formed in the spiders 8 and hubs 3? of the cylinders for guiding an 'slidably supporting the rods 5 5 indicates a wedge member having oppositely inclinedxwalls 5, 5, adapted to en gage the extensions 4 of the grippers 46 to spread them when the wedge member is moved in an outward direction. The wedge or spreader 5? is normally held in a retracted position through the influence of the springs r pressing the grippens d together, the latter acting on the inclined walls 5. and operating to. force the wedge 5 inwardly.

5 indicates from the wedge 5 and preferably formed integral therewith.

5 indicates a device foroperating the ypreadcrs 5 at proper intervals. There are preferably two of these devices each -arranged at one-side of each cylinder 3, 3 Each device preferably comprises a circular plate loosely n'iountcd on the adjacent shaft 2 but held stationary by a key or shoulder extending laterally disk or pin which is slidable in a groove between l movement of the inserting device a The the upright 1 and support 2* for' the bean- I l1TLgS,;-2 the inner end of the key or pin fitraisedportion of the cam plates, or that pontion extending from the cam wall 5 around itingan aperture 5 formed in the plate 5 :At 5*}, each plate 5 isformed in its-e11.

cumferential surface with a reduced portion or recess, the opposite end walls of which are inclined and form cams 5 5 that. operate.

the wedge'at the. proper time. As shown in Figs. 3, 11-, 12, 13,. andle, the canrpla-tes 5 are arranged so that the earn e is slightly forward of the contact pointbetween the 5 each oyli-i'ider 3, and 3. The circumferential edgfes of the plates Gare-cam shaped and provided with shoulder 6"). The cam plate Ginay be made separateifrom the cam disk ef but if preferably formed with ail-open ling that registers-with the opening 5 to I receive the key. or,

cylinders 3,, 3 As the cylinders rotate, the shoulders 5 of 'thespreaders 5 rideion the circumferential-edge of the cam ates. In that movement of the shoulders 5? on the the plate to earn 5!, the paper grippers 4 are held apart or separated from each other ready to receive the web of paper between them. "As the spreadens 5Jappr0ach the po 'sition opposite the point of con-tact, the

shoulders ride down the cams 5 permitting the wedges orspreaders'5 to rccede and retract under the influence of the springs l acting on the grippers 4:. The wedges or spreaders remain in this positionnntil the shoulders 5 ride the cams 5 Whichlatter cause the wedges or Spreaders to move. outwardly and effect a spreadingof the grip pers 4 and the release of the paperweb A, as will befully explained later.

Ofthe inserting mechanism 4}, l indicates a slot formed inthe surface of each cylinder 3, 3 and adapted to slidably receive a paper inserting device a preferably omprises a relatively thin plate, the opposite ends of which extend laterally from the opposite ends of the adjacent cylinder to a point beyond the cam plates 5, the purpose of which will presently appear.

41"" indicates a pair of guide rods for supporting each inserting device 4 These rods are arranged near the opposite ends of the inserter 4' and may be slidably mounted in suitable openings formed in the spiders and hubs of each adjacent cylinder and permit movement of the inserting devices 4z in a radial direction. 5 indicates a spring or springs preferably coiled around each supporting rod 46*. One end of each sprlng is attached tot-he adjacent rod, while its oppositc endisjfixed to some part of the adjaa cent hub S. The springs normally hold the inserting devices in their innermost positions and are placed under tension when the latter are moved outwardly, radially. l indicates a plate which is arranged within and extends from end to-end of each of the cylinders. This plate is formed with a re c'ess l that registers with the slot l, to re ccivc and assist in guiding and supporting the inserter P. The bottom. of the recess P may serve as'a stop to limit the inward This device v fixed in position.

5 toreceive the inserting device 4', position oil the parts is illustrated 1n Figs about to rcccdetherefrom.

plate 4 is preferably secured to the cylinder by screws l.

- As shown 1n the drawings, the recess f and slot l extend entirelythrough the wall 6 indicates a stationaryplate loosely mounted upon each shaft 2 at each end of pin 5 whereby it will. be

' As will be clearly understood from Figs.

1, 2,- 3, 11, 12 and 13, the extended ends of "the inserting device lride on the canr-G which operates to slide or more the inserter 45 outwardly, but when the ends pass the 'shoulders 6, the latter"per1nitgthe ends to recede quickly under the influence of the springs 54. v

In the operatmn of my apparatus it will be seen thatvthe gripping and creasing .mechanlsm 4. carriedby one cylinder and the inserting mechanism i carried by the other cylinder approach the point of con tact between the cylinders simultaneously and then coijperate to fold the paper web.

The paper web A having been first introduced between the cylinders by hand, the

apparatus is connected with the source of power to rotate the cylinders. Suitable guide devices (not shown) maybe provided. for feeding the web continuously to the cylinders and for delivering it upon a platform after it has been folded, but the rotation of the cylinders and their functional engage ment with the web may be relied on, if de sired, to draw the web from the supply roll.: During the approach of the inserting device 4"" to the operating position it is held or forced outwardly by the cam 6; at the same time the grippers d are separated from each other, by the raised portion of the cam disk This 11 and 11 As the inserters l aiid grippers, 4 continue to move nearer together the inserter projects into the space between the grippers at and inserts the paper web between them. Following this operation, the

shoulder 53 riding down the'cam 5 permits 1,

the wedges S to recede and the grippers 4- to engage the paper web. This position of, the parts is represented in Figs. 12 and 12*?- where the inserter Ki is shown inserting the paper web down between the grippers and is As shown in the drawings, the cam 5 is arranged to permit the grippers i to operate before the inserter recedes to its innermost position; also the shoulder 6 ispreferably arranged sub stantially 'in line with the point of contact between cylinders so that the inserter 4 may be held in its outermost or extendedposition until the point ofcontact is reached and the inserting mechanism and creasingand complete the crease or fold on a transverse line. When the shoulders 5 reach the end of the recess 5* they ride up the cams 5 and cause the wedges or spreaders 5- to separate the grippers 4 whereupon the paper web A will be released and allowed to fall upon'the platform. The position of the parts iminediately following the release of the paper web is clearly shown in Fig. 15. V In the folding operation just described, the steps of which are illustrated in Figs. 12-to 15 inclusive, the inserting mechanism was carried by the cylinder 3 and the gripping and creasing mechanism was carried by the cylinder 3.- When the cylinders 3, 3% have made one-half of a complete revolution the alternate inserting and gripping and creasingmechanisms 'will cooperate being carried by the lower and upper cyliinders, respectively, the web A .will be folded reversely to that folding operation which has just been described. Thus it will be seen that by the arrangement of the sets of mechanism, theweb' of paper will be folded first inone direction and then in the reverse direction foreac'h complete revolu- V and closing of the paper gripping members,

tion of the cylinders;

I preferto weaken the 'web of paper along the lines of fold in order to permit the readydetachment of each sheet or slip one from another. For this purposeI provide a pair of cooperating devices, which operate to perforate the paper along the folded line at the time the inserting mechanism is operatingon the paper web and inserting it between the grippers l. These devices may comprise a plate 7, which is countersunk in the bottom wall of each recess 4 and formed with a" series of depressions or openings 7", and a series of projections or teeth 7 carried by and preferably formed integral with each inserting device i and arranged to enter said depressions. As shown in the drawings, the plate 7 extends from end to end of the recess 4 and is arranged substantially midway between its side walls. The teeth 7 project from the free edge of'the inserter 4 and are thus carried in between the grippers el'when the latter are separated to receive the inserter. As the inserting mechanism and the paper gripping'mechanism move into cooperatlve relation, the

projections 7 pierce the paper'web and en'- ter the depressions 7 The eifect of this operation-will be to form a series of perforations along each line of fold and thus" weaken the paper, whereby each section or' slip can be easily separated from each other. As the grippers 4 engage and grip the paper web between them, it will be preventedfrom clinging to the teeth 7 and being withdrawn by said teeth from between the grippers by the inserting device 4'. p

When it is desired to weaken the paper along each alternate line of fold, the'teeth 7 on one inserting device may be omitted.

My apparatus may be connected with or attached to a printing mechanism by means of which the web is suitably printed before inking rolls of the printing mechanism do not engage with the folding or perforating devices and become damaged thereby.

-- To those skilledin the art of making apparatus of theclass described, many alterations in construction and widely differing embodiments and applicationsof my invention will suggest themse1ves,'withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope-thereof.

My-disclosures and the description herein r are purely illustrative, and are not intended [to be in any sense limiting.

with each other at the point 'of contact, and I bination with two rollers arranged to receive .a web of paper between them, of sets of. de-

ivices carried by said rollers'for folding the 30 it is folded. By such an arrangement the web of paper in opposite directions, each set of devices including a pair of reciprocating roller paper gripping members, a movable lnserter, means for controlling the opening and means for controlling the movements of the inserter to insert the paper web between I the paper gripping members when the latter are opened.

2. In a paper folding apparatus, the combination with two rollers arranged to receive inserter to insert the paper web between the paper gripping members when the latter are opened. s

lnja paper folding apparatus, the coinhination with two rollers arranged to receive a Web oi paper between them, of sets of d6".

vices carried by said rollers for folding the opened, the last mentioned cam being,pro-

idcd with a shoulder to permit the receding of the inserter after the closing of the gripping members.

In a paper folding apparatus, the combination with two rollers arranged to re;

ceive between them a Web of paper, of a pair oil? stationary cams. arranged at one side of carh roller, setsbt devices carried by said rollers for folding the Web of paper in opposite directions along transverse lines, each set-ct devices comprising an inserter carried by one roller and extending laterally at one end and arranged to ride on one of said stationary cams, a pair of paper grippingmom bcrs carried by the other roller for gripping and creasing the eb of paper, said members being extended laterally beyond one end of the adjacent roller, and a device interposed between the extended ends of the gri iping members and the other of said stationary cams and operated by the latter for controlling the movement of said gripping members. I

5, in a paper folding apparatus, the combination with two rollers arranged to receive between. them a Web of paper, of a stationary cam arranged. at one side of each roller, sets of devices carried by said rollers for folding the Web oft paper in opposite directions along transverse l' 183, each set of devices comp rising an inscrter ca .ried by one roller, a pair of paper gripping members carried by the other roller and arranged to move simultatoward and from each other, -for grippu I and creasing the Web of paper, said. members being extended laterally beyond mound of the adjacent roller, and a slidable do" 'ce '.rtc1.' ,)osed between the extended ends ot the gripping members and the stationary ram and operated by the latter for controlthe movement oi said gripping memaper folding apparatus, the coIn 11 two rollers arran red to receive r a between them a. web of paper. of devices carried by said rollers tor toldmg the Web of paper in opposite directions alon transverse lines, each set otdevices eoinprislng an 1nsorter carried one roller, a pair or paper gripping numbers carried by the other roller for gripping and creasing the web of paper and arranged to move simultaneously toard and from each other, said members be ing extended laterally beyond one end of the adjacent roller, a radially slidable device arof deviceseomprising an inserter, a radially movablemember, a pair of paper gripping members movable toward and from each other in directions at substantially right angles to the direction of movement of said movable member, springs for operating said gripping members in one direction simultaneously, and a cam operating through said movable member to move the gripping members in the opposite direction.

8. In an apparatus of the character do scribed, the combination with a pair of rollers arranged to receive a Web of paper between them, each of said. rollers being ffllfll'lCCl with a recess, oi sets of devices :tor folding the Web of paper alternately in opposite directions, each of said sets of devices conu irising a pair of paper gripping members carried by one of said rollers and a paper insertcr carried by the other'of said. rol ers, each of said recesses being formed with a plurality of openings arranged between the gripping members and each of the pa m. l1 sertcrs being provided with a series oi? teeth arranged to project into said op'enlugs to perforate the paper along the line of Fold.

9. In an apparatus oil? the character described, the combination with a pair of rollers arranged to receive a Web of paper be tween them, each of said rollers being termed with a recess, of sets of devices for tolding the web of paper alternately in opposiie directions, each of: said sets of devices comprising a pair of paper gripping members mounted in the recess of one of said rollers and a paper inserter carried by the other roller, the bottom Walls of each of said.

recesses being formed with a series of openings, and teeth carried by each inserter arranged to project into the openings to pertt'orate the paper along the lincoi' told.

10. in an apparatus or the character described, the combination with a pair of rollera arranged to receive a web of paper between them, each of said rollers being termed with a recess, of sets of devices for folding the web of paper alternately in opposite directions, each of said sets ot-devices comprising a pair of paper gripping members carried by one oi: said rollers, a paper inserter carried by the other of said rollers and a spring tending to move the inserter inwardly, each of said recesses being formed with a plurality of openings arranged between the gripping members and each of the paper inserters being provided with a series of teeth arranged to project into said openings to perforate the paper along the line of fold, and a cam for moving the inserter outwardly to cause the teeth to project into the openings, said cam being formed with a shoulder permitting the inserter to move inwardly after the teeth have perforated the paper.

11. in an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a pair of rollers arranged to receive a web otpaper between them, each of said rollers being formed with a recess, oi sets of devices for folding the web of paper alternately in op- I posite directions, each of said sets of devices comprismg a pair of paper grippmg members carried b one of said rollers a a or yv a inserter carried by the other of said rollers and a spring tending to-move the inserter inwardly, each of said recesses being formed with a plurality of openings arranged between the gripping members and each of the paper inserters being provided'with a series of teeth arranged to project into said openings to perforate the paper along the line of fold, a cam for moving the inserter outwardly to cause the teeth to project into the openings, said cam being. formed with a shoulder permitting the inserter to move in wardly after the teeth'have perforated the paper, and means for pperating the gripping members before the inserter moves inwardly.

12. In a paper folding apparatus, the com bination with a pair of rotatable members arranged to receive a web of paper between them, and means for rotating said members,

each of said members being formed with a longitudinal recess having bottom and "side walls, of sets of devices "for folding the web of paper in opposite directions alternately, each of said sets of devices comprising an 'inserter, a pair of papergripping rollers movable toward and Srom each other on the bottom wall of the recess means for retainarranged to receivebetween them a. web of material to be folded, each of said members being formed-with a recess, a pair of rollers mounted in each recess and movable toward and from each other, springs for pressing the rollers together, the said rollers being reduced at their opposite end to form shoulders, devices carried by the members en-- gaging the reduced ends and shoulders to support the rollers thereon and: to prevent endwise movement of the rollers, an inscrter carried by each memberand arranged to insert the web between the rollers of the other'member,means arranged to operate the said rollers, first to separate them to receive the inserter and web and then to grip and crease the said web, and means for op erating thecreasing devices to release the web therefrom. I

14. In a paper folding apparatus, the combination with a pair of rollers arranged to receive between them a web of paper, of sets ofdevices carried by the rollers for folding the web in opposite directions alternately, each of said folding devices including a pair of paper gripping and creasing members, springs for pressing said members together, a wedge for separating said gripping and creasing members, and means for operating said wedge in one direction.

15. In a paper folding apparatus, the combination with a pair of rollers arranged to receive between them a web of paper, of sets of devices carried by said rollers for folding the web in opposite directions alternately, each of said folding devices including a pair of paper gripping and areas ing members, springs for pressing said members together, a wedge for separating said gripping and creasing members, and means for operating said wedge in one direction, the said wedge being actuated in the opposite direction by said springs.

16. In a paper folding apparatus, the combination with a pair of rollers arranged to receive between them a web of paper, of

sets or devices carried by said rollers for folding the web in opposite directions alternately, of said folding devices including p otpaper gripping and creasing member springs for pressing said members together, a wedge for separating said gripping and creasing members, and cam devices operatin control the said wedge.

ii. In a foldin appar -us, the combination with a pair of driven rollers arranged receive between them a web of material, sets devices for folding the mat 1-" directions alternately, e devices including a'pair me more car" l mined intervals.

18. In a folding apparatns, the combina'- tion, With a pair of driven rollers arranged to receive between them a Web of material, of sets ofidevices for folding the material in oppositev directions alternately, each set of folding devices including a pair of ereasing members carried by and extending be yond one end of each roller, means tending to force the creasing members together, radially movable Wedge shaped devices for sprea'dmg the said creasing members, and

means foroperating said spreading devices at predetermmed intervals.

19. In a folding apparatus, the combina- "tion with a pair of driven rollers arranged to receive between theme Web of material,

of sets of devices for folding the material in opposite directions alternately, each set of folding devices including a pair of creasing members carried by and extending beyond one end 01 each roller, means tending ,to force the creasing members together,

radially movable devices for spreading the said creasing members, means for operating said spreading devices at predetermined intervals, and means for inserting the Web of material between said creasing members.

In testimony whereof I-aflix my signature, in the presence of two witnesses.

" I JOSEPH E. VVILDMAN.

' Witnesses:

Geo. B. Prr'rs, L. G. BRADY. 

